Overview
- Space Systems Command announced Wednesday a second SB‑AMTI task order worth $615 million that was awarded to Rocket Lab, Systems & Technology Research and a third contractor whose name was withheld for operational security.
- Rocket Lab disclosed a $397 million share to develop, launch and operate its Flatellite spacecraft and said it will use its in‑development Neutron rocket to deploy the constellation.
- The SB‑AMTI work is designed to move airborne moving‑target tracking into space so commanders can maintain persistent tracks where manned surveillance aircraft cannot safely operate.
- Officials said the task order’s main goal is vendor diversity and maturing alternative sensing approaches after a larger baseline award to SpaceX established the initial AMTI constellation.
- The awards use firm‑fixed‑price Other Transaction Authority/IDIQ vehicles that speed commercial engagement but reduce public contract detail, raising questions about schedule risk tied to Neutron and broader industrial concentration.